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Singapore, 26 March 2026 -

Media Highlights

• Over 200 student innovators from Singapore and overseas
• Four participating countries and territories, including Indonesia, Macau, Philippines and Thailand.
• Inventions tackling global challenges such as sustainability, health, accessibility, and digital transformation, with social innovation as a driving approach
• Immersive STEM experiences at Temasek Polytechnic, including advanced manufacturing, self-watering systems and technologies that power flight
• Diverse voices in innovation with special focus on inclusivity and girls in STEM

The Singapore Invention Convention (SIC, 新加坡发明大会) returns this year with a regional footprint, immersive STEM learning journeys, and a strong emphasis on sustainable, inclusive and real-world innovation. Co-organised by Temasek Polytechnic and STEMIE Advantages, SIC 2026 continues to serve as a national platform for nurturing young inventors while connecting them to regional and global innovation ecosystems.

More than 200 student innovators, from preschool to post-secondary levels, will take part in the two-day convention. Participants document their invention journey in a logbook, from problem identification and prototype development to testing and research. During three judging sessions on Day 1, inventors will pitch their ideas and demonstrate their prototypes to a panel of judges evaluating originality, real-world relevance, and environmental or social impact. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony held on Day 2.

Participants will also get to take part in curated STEM learning activities at Temasek Polytechnic, including:

• Visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, featuring robotics and automation demonstrations
• “Self-Watering Systems” workshop, focusing on water conservation, urban gardening and sustainable waste management
• “Powering Flight” workshop, introducing the science and engineering behind modern aircraft systems

Regional Collaboration and Inclusive Participation

SIC 2026 welcomes student inventors from Indonesia, Macau, Philippines, and Thailand, fostering cross-border exchange. As students visit each other’s booths, they share ideas, discuss how their inventions work, and compare approaches to solving everyday problems. These exchanges spark new thinking, inspire improvements to their own projects, and give students a firsthand experience of different cultural perspectives in innovation.

For the first time, SIC also welcomes Club Rainbow participants, highlighting the creativity of young people living with chronic illnesses. Students from APSN Delta School and Changkat Changi Secondary School, supported by Club Rainbow and STEMIE Advantages, developed HygiBin, a foot-pedal operated bin designed to improve the hygienic disposal of baby diapers in public spaces. With specially coated inner walls to prevent stains and ease cleaning, the project showcases how SIC provides a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to turn ideas into practical, impactful solutions.

Innovation at SIC is not limited by age or circumstance. Another example is Triven Yee (余睿喆), a 12-year-old student from Maris Stella High School (Primary) (海星中学（附小)).Observing unfinished food in his school canteen, Triven developed Food Waste Heroes, a mobile app game that raises awareness about food waste and encourages students to finish meals. Featuring colourful fruit and vegetable hero characters designed by Triven, the app lets students scan their plates after meals to earn points and unlock powers, turning mealtimes into interactive learning while promoting mindful eating habits. Triven said, “I hope schools will give the app a chance because habits are best developed when we are young. By reducing food waste, we can all become heroes to save the Earth!”

Judges Bringing Expertise from Academia and Industry

The SIC 2026 judging panel combines both corporate and academic leaders, ensuring students are evaluated for both practical relevance and academic rigor. Inventors are assessed on research depth, critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and potential impact.

Leading the SIC 2026 judging panel is Dr Tan Kok Siang, Principal Consultant at SGReflect (Science and STEM Education). An experienced educator with over three decades in experiential learning and educational innovation, he said, “What makes SIC so encouraging is seeing students turn curiosity into practical solutions. They begin by noticing everyday challenges, and through research, experimentation, and collaboration, develop ideas that can make a real difference. It is inspiring to see young inventors think critically, test possibilities, and present their ideas with confidence.”

Singapore on the Global Stage

SIC also serves as a springboard to the international stage. Winning student inventors from SIC 2025 will represent Singapore at the third edition of the Global Youth Invention Summit (GYIS) in the United Kingdom in Q3 2026. The selected teams will showcase innovations addressing real-world challenges, including:

• Biomimicry-inspired river filtration system designed to intercept pollutants before they reach the ocean, protecting marine ecosystems and water quality
• Assistive healthcare solutions improving medication accuracy and independence for the visually impaired
• Upcycling of food waste into value-added, eco-friendly skincare products suited for Singapore’s climate

Shaping a Culture of Innovation Together

Mr. Aw Tuan Kee, Deputy Principal/CEO of Temasek Polytechnic, said, “At Temasek Polytechnic, we believe strong industry partnerships are key to driving innovation and developing future-ready talent. Through collaborations with partners such as STEMIE Advantages and RTX, the Singapore Invention Convention provides students with opportunities to explore ideas, experiment with solutions and learn through hands-on experiences that reflect real-world challenges. By bringing together educators, industry and young innovators, we aim to nurture inventive thinkers while strengthening pathways for the next generation to contribute meaningfully to society.”

Ms Nancy Soon, Founder and Director of STEMIE Advantages (孙碧星, 创办人和总监), said, “What makes SIC 2026 especially meaningful is the mindset it encourages among young people. In a world where it’s easy to spend hours on mobile devices, SIC invites students to set them aside, or use them with purpose, and start tinkering with ideas that can help others. With strong support from partners like RTX and Temasek Polytechnic, students gain handson experiences, collaborate with mentors and peers, and develop the creativity, curiosity, and resilience that turn ideas into solutions.”

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